In a letter sent to the FAA, Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pushed for the agency to “enable greater use of tablets, e-readers, and other portable devices” in-flight.
The idea of turning off all devices during takeoff and landing is an antiquated concept for airlines which needs to be done away with by the FAA “at a time of tremendous innovation” according to Genachowski.
This summer, the FAA launched a study group to review its policies regarding electronic devices — a policy that has been widely criticized by airline passengers in recent years. But the end result failed to lift restrictions on using "voice communications" in-flight.
“This review comes at a time of tremendous innovation, as mobile devices are increasingly interwoven in our daily lives,” Genachowski writes. “They empower people to stay informed and connected with friends and family, and they enable both large and small businesses to be more productive and efficient, helping drive economic growth and boost U.S. competitiveness.”
Maybe sooner than later we'll all be able to play Words with Friends with Alec Baldwin while taxiing down the runway or even continue that incredibly annoying conversation with friends during takeoff.
Until then folks — just sit back, shut up and wait until you reach 10,000 feet to use the paid Wi-Fi service and feel fortunate you have that much.
Do you think getting 20 minutes more of gadget time at the start and end of a flight will make a huge difference in productivity? I do.
via The Hill
It's not just the 20 min. It's more of the disruption in the flow of what you were doing. Many persons who turn that laptop off never pick it back up.
Posted by: Pita.O | December 08, 2012 at 08:08 PM